Answer: Citizenship and the government varied greatly over time. The patricians class dominated the Republic. The highest positions were the two consuls. The senate, made of patricians, elected these consuls. During most of the Republic the Senate was the most powerful governing body. Senate power was diluted by Sulla and Julius Caesar leading to the end of the Republic. Full citizens could vote, marry and trade, but lower class plebeians could not. Patricians were able to use their wealth to control the Republic but gradually, plebeians gained the power to elect tribunes. Tribunes could veto Senate acts. Eventually plebeians even held the position of consul. During times of war The Senate could appoint a dictator with the power of absolute control over the military.
